About the Scotch Plains, New Jersey Area

Scotch Plains has special features that make living a little easier. Scotch Plains is within 30 miles of New York City, and offers families good public and private schools. In addition, the median home prices are surprisingly low compared to other towns in the area. Scotch Plains has grown from an agricultural town to a flourishing residential community.

LOCATION

Scotch Plains is located in the State of New Jersey and is roughly 25 miles from New York City. Close to Scotch Plains are the towns of Plainfield, Westfield, and Cranford, all within 5 miles, and the City of Newark is approximately 13 miles away. Scotch Plains offers easy access to major State Highways including Routes U.S.-22, I-78 and I-287.

SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS

Downtown Scotch Plains is an antique village where the 1737 Stagecoach Inn is the historic focal point. Other charming historical shops and restaurants surround the inn.

Scotch Plains holds entertaining events such as concerts for the enjoyment of their visitors and residents. A Jersey farmers’ market, walking tour, and a holiday hayride are some of the events that bring the residents of Scotch Plains together. Scotch Plains also offers teen, youth and adult recreational programs.

A BRIEF HISTORY

The Lenni-Lenape Indians were the first to live at the foot of the mountains in Scotch Plains. In 1684, a group of Scottish immigrants cleared the land and built a community they called “Scotsplain”, in honor of George Scot, their leader, who died at sea before reaching the land.

In the late 1600’s and early 1700’s, there were close to 8 families in the original settlement who lived in log cabins. This was the time when people traveled by horses and buggies on old Indian trails. These paths then became what are now the main streets of Scotch Plains. Scotch Plains grew slowly in population and was a farming community for close to 200 years. In 1775 the center of Scotch Plains consisted of 11 houses including the Stagecoach Inn.

In 1867, the train depot was given the name Fanwood and the 350 acres around it called Fanwood Park. These names were chosen to honor Fanny Wood, a daughter to one of the railroad officials. In 1953 there were more than 10,000 people in Scotch Plains. Today, even with a population of approximately 22,000, Scotch Plains holds on to its small town image.